Alberta Innovates — International Technology Partnership Program
AB, Canada
Support to de-risk the commercialization of innovative technology in Alberta
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
Partnering and Collaboration
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Alberta Innovates
- Government of Alberta
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
SMEs can get coaching as well as a matching contribution up to a maximum of $250,000 to develop or pilot new technology products with an international project partner.
grant_single_labels|projects
The International Technology Partnership Program supports activities that help Alberta businesses develop or test their products for commercialization. Eligible activities are aimed at proving the product's value and advancing its market readiness.
- Developing and testing technology
- Piloting in an operational or test environment to move towards commercialization
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$225,000
Saskatoon
Developing a new drone-based agricultural monitoring system with an Australian tech partner
$250,000
Calgary
Piloting a new electric vehicle charging solution with a South Korean tech firm
$250,000
Ottawa
Developing a blockchain-based supply chain solution with a Swedish company
$250,000
Vancouver
Conducting pilot tests of a new solar-powered water purification system with a German company
$250,000
Toronto
Developing a new AI-driven software platform for healthcare data analysis with a UK partner
$200,000
Montreal
Developing new biodegradable packaging materials with a Japanese eco-company
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The company eligibility criteria for the International Technology Partnership Program are as follows:
- Exist as a corporate person, with up-to-date corporate filings
- Be authorized to undertake the proposed project, and execute a grant with Alberta Innovates on standard terms
- Not be prohibited from receiving Alberta Innovates funding due to past bad debt or not being in good financial standing with Alberta Innovates or its subsidiaries
- Be incorporated in Alberta and/or extra-provincially registered in Alberta
- Be a General Partnership, Limited Partnership, or Limited Liability Partnership registered in Alberta
- Qualify as a small or medium enterprise (SME) with fewer than 500 full-time employees and less than $50,000,000 in annual gross revenue
- Be Alberta-based with a significant physical and operational presence, appropriate Alberta ownership, and intent that operational benefits primarily flow within Alberta
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The International Technology Partnership Program is open to high potential, high growth, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Alberta. These businesses are supported to commercialize their products and potentially expand into global markets.
- Must be a for-profit organization.
- Must have fewer than 500 full-time employees.
- Must have less than $50,000,000 in annual gross revenue.
- Must be Alberta-based with a significant operational presence.
- Accepts companies incorporated in Alberta or extra-provincially registered.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant:
- Companies with more than 500 full-time employees or with over $50,000,000 in annual gross revenue
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant allows for expenses that are considered reasonable costs incurred after an Investment Agreement is signed.
- Costs incurred between arm’s-length entities
- Costs after signing the Investment Agreement
- Eligible project costs covered under the agreement
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant is available to companies that are incorporated in Alberta or are incorporated in another jurisdiction but are extra-provincially registered in Alberta. Eligible companies must also have a significant operational presence in Alberta.
- Alberta
- Other jurisdictions with extra-provincial registration in Alberta
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are specific evaluation and selection criteria for the International Technology Partnership Program grant, which are based on the project's alignment with program objectives and intended outcomes, as well as several common business and technical factors.
- Technology readiness and feasibility
- The business opportunity
- Applicant risks
- Overall potential size of the return to Alberta
- Management team strengths
- Market conditions
- Competitive advantage
- Product/market fit
- Go-to-market plan
- Financials
- Export potential
grant_single_labels|register
Step 1: Engagement and Intake
- The Applicant identifies a project and International Technology Partner.
- Applicant connects with a Technology Development Advisor to assess if the project scope meets the minimum requirements of aligning with International Technology Partnership Program requirements.
Step 2: Application
- Register on the Alberta Innovates Application Portal (“Portal”).
- The Applicant submits their Application online, including the filled and signed Alberta Innovates Letter of Interest from the International Project Partner.
Step 3: Agreement
- Successful applicants execute an agreement with Alberta Innovates to proceed with the Project.
- Agreement includes details regarding reporting on progress to milestones and budget on an agreed timeline during the term of the Agreement.
- Reporting on progress to outcomes on an agreed timeline during and following the term of the Agreement.
- Project payments are based on milestone achievement and progress reporting.
grant_single_labels|contact
intake@albertainnovates.ca
403-210-5229
Apply to this program
Funding Opportunity for Alberta SMEs: International Technology Partnership Program
The International Technology Partnership Program empowers Alberta-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by providing up to $250,000 in funding. This initiative focuses on product development and pilot testing in collaboration with international partners to advance commercialization and enhance global competitiveness.
Understanding the International Technology Partnership Program and Its Impact on Alberta SMEs
The International Technology Partnership Program (ITP), spearheaded by Alberta Innovates, serves as a cornerstone for driving innovation and bolstering the economy of Alberta by supporting local SMEs. This program is specifically tailored to assist high potential, high growth Alberta businesses in commercializing their technological innovations, elevating their market position, and expanding their business footprint globally. By offering up to $250,000 in funding matched by SMEs and international collaborators, the ITP aims to not only de-risk the commercialization process but also to forge strong international business partnerships.
Alberta Innovates, as the province's largest research and innovation agency, is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse research and innovation ecosystem. Their mission is to propel innovative ideas forward, enhancing the quality of life for Albertans and reinforcing the economic fabric of the province. Under this program, SMEs are encouraged to collaborate with international project partners to carry out further product development or pilot testing in operational environments, proving the product's value and fast-tracking its journey to market.
The goals of the ITP are multifaceted, aimed at not only supporting immediate product development and market competitiveness but also establishing long-term effects such as forming durable international business alliances, increasing revenue streams and job opportunities, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Alberta SMEs. The key performance outcomes for Alberta Innovates include milestone attainment by SMEs, leveraging additional funds and resources, increased satisfaction rates among SMEs and their international partners, and measurable growth in SME revenue, exports, and overall investment.
A unique aspect of the ITP is its structured funding approach. Alberta Innovates, under the Entrepreneurial Investments business unit, matches contributions for eligible project costs, with a focus on collaborative development and testing between Albertan SMEs and their international counterparts. The collective financial effort, including cash and in-kind contributions, significantly amplifies the resources available to SMEs, enabling them to navigate the challenges of commercialization with greater support and certainty. This endeavor underscores Alberta Innovates’ commitment to ensuring that the operational and economic benefits primarily impact the province of Alberta.
The application process for the ITP is ongoing, encouraging Alberta businesses to engage whenever they are prepared to meet the program’s requirements. Interested SMEs are required to initiate contact with a Technology Development Advisor (TDA), who provides guidance, assesses project readiness, and assists in aligning the project with program requirements. The successful execution of projects under this program involves the signing of a detailed Investment Agreement that outlines responsibilities, reporting obligations, and milestone-based funding distribution.
Furthermore, Alberta Innovates ensures the rigorous evaluation of applications by engaging expert reviewers who assess the fit of each proposal with the program's objectives and expected outcomes. Strategic factors such as market conditions, competitive advantages, technical feasibility, and export potential are meticulously examined to decide on funding allocations. Transparency and fairness in the evaluation process are maintained through confidentiality and conflict-of-interest policies.
In summary, the International Technology Partnership Program offers Alberta SMEs a critical opportunity to scale up their innovations on a global stage. By fostering collaborative partnerships and de-risking commercialization ventures, the program plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and innovation within the province. With a strategic focus on leveraging Alberta's innovation capabilities, the ITP not only benefits the participating SMEs but also contributes to the overall prosperity and sustainability of Alberta's economic ecosystem.
